By Jethro Ibileke
Massive demonstration rocked Ekpoma, the administrative headquarters of Esan West Local Government Area, on Saturday, following the killing of a young man by suspected kidnappers on Friday morning.
It was gathered that major streets and the Benin/Auchi highway were blocked by the protesters, resulting in heavy gridlock.
The protesters who destroyed 2027 campaign billboard of President Bola Tinubu, lamented that they are tired of the incessant kidnapping without help from law enforcement agencies.
A heavy security presence was observed during the protest as operatives monitored the march to prevent a breakdown of law and order. Despite the tension, the protest remained largely peaceful, with participants calling for decisive action rather than confrontation.
The demonstrators appealed directly to Governor Monday Okpebholo to urgently deploy more security resources to Ekpoma and strengthen intelligence operations to track and dismantle kidnapping syndicates operating in and around the town.
“We can no longer sleep with our eyes closed,” one protester told Uptown Press. Students and residents are being taken almost at will, and nothing seems to be changing. The government must act now.”
It will be recalled that Ekpoma, home to a large student population, has in recent weeks recorded repeated incidents of kidnapping and violent attacks, fuelling fear and disrupting daily life.
Residents said the situation had become unbearable, with many now afraid to move freely, especially at night.
There has not been official reaction from the police.
Meanwhile, the nanagement of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Edo State, has shut down the school. The management also approved the postponement of students’ resumption and commencement of academic activities.
The Head, Information, Public Relations & Protocol of the school, Otunba Mike Ade Aladenika, in a statement on Saturday, said the management led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mrs. Eunice Eboiserehimen Omonzejie, approved postponement on behalf of the University’s Senate.
“This decision has become necessary to enable the University to complete ongoing renovation works on student structures and facilities, aimed at enhancing the overall teaching and learning experience. The Management is committed to providing a conducive environment for academic excellence and believes that this temporary adjustment will ultimately benefit our students.
“While the University Management intends to announce a new resumption date, any student(s) still in our hostels are advised to vacate with immediate effect to allow for effective ongoing renovation works
“In light of this development, the University regrets to announce that the 140th Inaugural Lecture, originally scheduled for Thursday, 15th January 2026, and ongoing examinations have been postponed. A new date for the lecture and the completion of the examinations will be communicated to all stakeholders in due course.
The University appreciates the understanding and cooperation of students, parents, and guardians on this matter. We urge all students to adhere to the new resumption date and prepare for a productive academic session.
“Parents and guardians are kindly requested to ensure their children/wards are aware of and comply with the revised resumption schedule,” the statement announced.
However, there are insinuations that the school was shut in precautionary measures to stop students from participating in the current protest in the university community over spike in cases of kidnapping.
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